Dear God,

As we reflect on the story of John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus, we pray that you would prepare our hearts and minds to receive your Son. Help us repent our sins and turn to you so that we may be ready to accept your love and grace.

In the same way that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil but resisted temptation, we pray that you would help us resist and be strong. Give us the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith and resist the lies and deceptions of the evil one. I pray we may not fall but hunger for your righteousness.

We thank you, Lord, for the example Jesus set for us during his time on earth. May we follow in his footsteps and live a life that is pleasing to you.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.